Toronto FC improved to 3-1-1 in their last five games with a 3-1 home win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night in a match that was far more competitive than the scoreline indicated.

Despite a terrific early goal on a Jozy Altidore flick, Toronto were second-best much of the night. But New York's outside backs, so critical to their league-best defense last season, were each victimized to allow Toronto to double their lead, and Quentin Westberg made six saves, his second highest total of the season, to hold on for the win.

After Altidore's deft opener from a Tsubasah Endoh delivery, Kemar Lawrence was whistled for a needless slide tackle on Toronto right back Richie Laryea that allowed Alejandro Pozuelo to convert from the penalty spot and take a 2-0 lead in the first 30 minutes.

The Red Bulls made it a 2-1 game in the second half when Derrick Etienne's footwork and low cross found Tom Barlow from close range, but a moment of confusion at the back, with Michael Amir Murillo trying to shield a ball out, allowed Ashtone Morgan – called on after Pozuelo left with a calf injury – to score just his second career MLS goal into an almost empty net.